"You're always concerned about injuries," Ausmus said. "I think that's where the depth comes into play, where, if something unexpected comes up, we have a lot of arms we feel like can produce at the major league level. ... If something happens at any time, we feel that we have a quality arm that we can slide right in."

Tigers' Bruce Rondon steps it up in second bullpen session

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(2/24/2015)Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon "took it easy" for most of his second bullpen session Monday before increasing his intensity with about 10 pitches remaining, MLB.com reports.

"He took it easy for the first half of the session, got a good feel for it," catcher Bryan Holaday said afterwards. "And then when he was comfortable, he let 'em rip, and the ball was coming out really good."

Rondon threw more hard pitches than he did in his first session Friday, and he plans to throw a few more in Thursday's session.

"He popped a few at the end. That's good," manager Brad Ausmus said. "I think as he gets more and more comfortable, he'll probably start popping a few earlier in the bullpen."

Rondon is in the final stages of his rehab from Tommy John surgery, and the team will build up his arm strength while trying to limit the risk of re-injury.

"You're not just building his arm strength," Ausmus said. "You're trying to build his arm strength and avoid a setback from surgery. And I don't know if there's any medical truth behind it, but I think the theory is, heat the elbow up, get it going and let him warm a little more and more. Let him get to the point of almost letting it go, and then finally you can let him go."

Rondon is just 11 months from undergoing surgery on his pitching elbow. He posted a 3.45 ERA and 30:11 K:BB ratio in 28 2/3 innings in 2013 before shutting it down with elbow issues.

Tigers will be cautious with Bruce Rondon

Rondon has been able to throw bullpen sessions thus far, but the team will bring him along slowly. Rondon has been cleared to throw every other day, but he will receive an extra day off on Sunday just to be safe.

"We're just going to take a little extra time and see how he feels," manager Brad Ausmus said. "A lot of it is going to be how he bounces the next day. We're handling him a little bit with kid gloves at this point."

The 24-year-old Rondon is working his way back from Tommy John surgery. He posted a 3.45 ERA over 28 2/3 innings with the club in 2013.

Brad Ausmus sets Tigers bullpen roles for 2015, Nathan to close

Ausmus said that, in an ideal world, Bruce Rondon would be used in the seventh inning, Joakim Soria would pitch in the eighth and Joe Nathan would close games out. Rondon is a bit of a question mark, as he's coming off March Tommy John Surgery. He's expected to be fully healthy by spring training, but the team will move him along slowly at first.

After a midseason trade brought him to Detroit, Soria was actually a better pitcher than Nathan. Despite that, Nathan managed to hold onto the closer role.

That appears to be the case again heading into 2015. Nathan posted a 4.81 ERA over 58 innings last season. It was his highest ERA since 2011. Nathan still managed to save 35 games with the club.

Tigers' Bruce Rondon, Jose Iglesias considered good to go

Rondon is recovering from March Tommy John surgery, but is nearing a return. Iglesias missed all of last season due to a shin issue. General manager Dave Dombrowski said that although both players were healthy, the team would take it easy with them early in spring training.

Rondon posted a 3.45 ERA over 28 2/3 innings back in 2013. Iglesias hit .303/.349/.386 between Boston and Detroit.

Tigers aiming for 5-6 bullpens for Bruce Rondon before camp opens

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(1/12/2015)Tigers trainer Kevin Rand said reliever Bruce Rondon, who missed the 2014 season due to Tommy John surgery, is long-tossing but has yet to throw off a mound, according to the Detroit Free Press. The Tigers are hoping Rondon will throw 5-6 bullpen sessions before spring training begins.

Tigers GM views Bruce Rondon as wild card for bullpen in 2015

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(11/12/2014)Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said he views reliever Bruce Rondon as a "wild card" in 2015, according to the New York Post.

Rondon was slated to be a setup man in 2014 before he missed the season due to Tommy John surgery. Dombrowski said Rondon was given a clean bill of health last week, and the expectation is he will be ready for spring training.

Dombrowski envisions veteran Joe Nathan handling the closer's role in 2015. However, he added if Nathan doesn't return to form after a down year in 2014, then it's possible Joakim Soria could end up in the closer's role.

Rondon was seeking the setup role behind closer Joe Nathan after failing in his attempt to land the closer job last spring. The 23 year old who approaches 100 mph on his fastball was still considered a prime prospect, but he is now out for the season.

He pitched 30 games for Detroit a year ago and compiled a 3.45 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings.

Bruce Rondon works past back issue vs. Mets

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(3/8/2014)Tigers pitcher Bruce Rondon worked past a back issue on Saturday against the Mets in Grapefruit League play.

Rondon entered in the seventh inning for Phil Coke. He struck out one and pitched a perfect frame in a 3-2 defeat. He has allowed one runthrough his first four innings this spring.

"We just pushed him back to be safe with it," manager Brad Ausmus said Friday. "I talked to him today and he said he feels fine. It didn't really bother him to throw anyway. It was just kind of a precaution."

Rondon has allowed one earned run in three innings over three appearances this spring, striking out four and walking none.

Bruce Rondon prepping for live batting practice

Rondon has missed the past two days due to allergy issues. If he's able to get through live batting practice, he should be able to get back on track. Rondon posted a 3.45 ERA in 28 2/3 innings last year.

"Right now, [they] are probably the two guys in my mind who you think about as eighth-inning guys for the team," Brad Ausmus told MLive.com on Saturday. "Performances will determine who actually ends up being the eighth-inning guy. That being said, it could change once you move into the season. ... Even if I know coming out of spring training who that is it doesn't mean it's going to stay."

Bruce Rondon reports to camp noticeably slimmer

Rondon looks to have lost at least 10 pounds during the offseason, possibly more. He worked with team strength and conditioning coordinator Javair Gillett during the offseason. Rondon was listed at 275 pounds last year.

Rondon posted a 3.45 ERA in 28 2/3 innings.

Bruce Rondon's role to be determined in spring

by Al Melchior | Data Analyst

(12/15/2013)The Detroit Free Press reports that Tigers manager Brad Ausmus wants to wait until spring training to determine whether Bruce Rondon will be his setup man for closer Joe Nathan. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski told reporters earlier this month that he hopes Rondon can step into the setup role.

Ausmus told the Free Press, "I have not laid eyes on Bruce Rondon. I like people in the pen knowing where they slot in. I wouldn’t make that final decision without seeing Bruce throw."

Rondon is working his way back from an elbow injury, and he has started playing catch. Dombrowski expects that Rondon will be ready for spring training.

"The person we're hoping to really step up for us once again -- and we really think he's capable of doing it -- is Bruce Rondon," Dombrowski said. "He's healthy. Feeling good. We look at him as a potential eighth-inning guy, and the rest of the bullpen will fall into place after that."

Rondon, who missed the entire postseason with a flexor strain in his right elbow, was a candidate to close at the beginning of last season, but because of control issues, he spent much of the first half in the minors. He had a 2.73 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 9.9 strikeouts per nine innings in 27 appearances after coming up for good in late June.

Bruce Rondon has flexor strain

by Al Melchior | Data Analyst

(10/21/2013)Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon has been diagnosed by Dr. James Andrews as having a flexor strain in his right elbow, according to the Detroit News. He will not need to have surgery.

Rondon missed the postseason due to the soreness he felt in his elbow.

Bruce Rondon plays catch Saturday

by Al Melchior | Data Analyst

(10/13/2013)For the first time since being sent to instructional league earlier this month, Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon (elbow) played catch, throwing from a distance of approximately 90 feet Saturday, according to MLB.com.

Rondon is not expected to appear in the American League Championship Series against the Red Sox, and it is likely he would also be unavailable for the World Series, should the Tigers win the ALCS.

Bruce Rondon not expected to pitch in ALCS

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(10/12/2013)Tigers manager Jim Leyland told MLive.com Saturday that reliever Bruce Rondon will likely miss the American League Championship Series against the Red Sox because of a right elbow injury. Rondon has not pitched in a game since Sept. 24 against the Twins.

Phil Coke, Bruce Rondon out for ALDS

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(10/1/2013)The Tigers will not carry relievers Phil Coke or Bruce Rondon during the American League Division Series against Oakland, MLive.com reports. Tigers skipper Jim Leyland said both are dealing with discomfort in their respective arms.

"They're not going to be ready for the first round," Leyland said.

It is not clear at this time if one or both relievers could return should the Tigers advance to the American League Championship Series.

"I feel bad because I wanted to be able to help this team in the first round," Rondon said through a translator.

Bruce Rondon in a holding pattern

by Al Melchior | Data Analyst

(9/29/2013)According to MLB.com, Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon was not able to throw this weekend, so the team is currently in limbo as to whether they will be able to use him for the upcoming American League Division Series against the Athletics. Rondon had an MRI on his elbow Friday -- his second within the last three weeks -- and he will not be able to throw until the discomfort from the injection subsides.

Rondon has not pitched since Sept. 24, and that has been his only appearance since Sept. 2, as he has been sidelined with right elbow soreness.

Bruce Rondon status up in air

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(9/28/2013)Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon, who experienced tenderness in his right elbow on Wednesday, could be nearing a return, MLive.com reports. That said, manager Jim Leyland is unsure just how healthy the reliever is.

"Rondon, I'm not sure," Leyland said. "I'm going to wait and see (Friday) how he's doing, and then we'll go from there. I'm not sure of that just yet."

Bruce Rondon has more elbow issues

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(9/25/2013)Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon, who struck out the side in his return to action on Tuesday night in Minnesota, woke up Wednesday with renewed soreness, the Detroit News reports. Manager Jim Leyland said Rondon's right elbow is "not good."

The hard-throwing right-handed hurler is not expected to make another appearance this season due to his issues with his elbow. He owns a 3.45 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 30:11 K:BB ratio in 28 2/3 innings.

Bruce Rondon strikes out side in return

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(9/24/2013)Tigers pitcher Bruce Rondon struck out all three batters he faced Tuesday, recording an eighth-inning hold in his team's 4-2 win over the Twins.

It was Rondon's first action since Sept. 2 due to elbow tenderness. He owns a 3.45 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 30:11 K:BB ratio in 28 2/3 innings.

Bruce Rondon available Tuesday vs. Twins

Rondon, who hasn't pitched since Sept. 2, has been dealing with elbow tenderness. He owns a 1-2 record, 3.58 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 27:11 K:BB ratio in 27 2/3 innings.

Bruce Rondon could return Tuesday

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(9/21/2013)Tigers manager Jim Leyland told The Detroit News Saturday that relief pitcher Bruce Rondon could return to the mound as early as Tuesday. Rondon has been sidelined since Sept. 2 with an elbow injury. He completed his second throwing session of the week without any discomfort on Friday.

Bruce Rondon completes throwing session Friday

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(9/20/2013)Tigers pitcher Bruce Rondon completed this second throwing session of the week Friday, MLB.com reports. Out since Sept. 2, Rondon could return to the active roster before the postseason if he doesn't suffer any setbacks while working from a mound in the coming days.

Bruce Rondon not close to returning

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(9/18/2013)Although Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon had a successful long-toss session Wednesday, he still has several days before he can appear in a game again, MLB.com reports.

"It went very well; he was very happy," Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin Rand said. "At the end, he shortened up and let some balls go nice and easy and felt very good, very encouraged."

Rondon is hoping he'll be able to throw off a mound and use his slider by the weekend.

Bruce Rondon will try to throw Wednesday

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(9/17/2013)Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon, who hasn't pitched in a game since Sept. 2 because of tenderness in his elbow, will try to throw on Wednesday, according to MLive.com. Rondon is considered day to day with the injury.

Bruce Rondon dealing with tender elbow

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(9/16/2013)Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon is currently dealing with a tender elbow, the Detroit News reports Monday. He has been out of action since Sept. 2 due to the ailment.

Bruce Rondon worth watching

by Joe Polito | CBSSports.com

(7/1/2013)The well-documented Tigers' closer drama has a new character to keep track of, as the club recalled reliever Bruce Rondon. Manager Jim Leyland insisted Rondon will not be the Tigers' closer, but that doesn’t mean Fantasy owners should completely ignore the hard-throwing right-hander.

Al Melchior said he’s still keeping tabs on Rondon during Monday’s broadcast of Fantasy Baseball Today. He and Scott White talked about different scenarios for the Tigers' bullpen and their takes on Joaquin Benoit’s standing with the team.

How long before Bruce Rondon replaces Joaquin Benoit?

by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer

(6/28/2013)The Tigers say rookie flamethrower Bruce Rondon won't close for them, but the timing of his return to the big leagues -- after former closer Jose Valverde blows his last save but before presumed closer Joaquin Benoit has a chance to lock up the role -- is interesting, to say the least.

Throwing the 22-year-old right into the fire would be foolish. The Tigers tried that approach with Rondon the last time he was up, and it was a disaster. But since then, he's continued to dominate Triple-A to the tune of a 1.52 ERA and 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings. Clearly, he has the stuff to succeed in the role. He just needs to get comfortable.

My thinking is the Tigers ease him into closing this time, giving him a chance to work in low-pressure situations until he proves he's comfortable. It may take a while. It may not even happen this year. But if I'm depending on Benoit for saves, I'm picking up Rondon as insurance. He's the long-term solution.

Bruce Rondon will not close

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(6/28/2013)Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon will not be used as the closer, according to manager Jim Leyland.

Rondon was recalled Friday and will likely be used in the sixth and seventh innings. Rondon had a 1.52 ERA through 29 2/3 innings at Triple-A Toledo.

Bruce Rondon coming up again

Rondon last pitched in the majors May 1 and has a 1.52 ERA through 29 2/3 innings at Triple-A Toledo. A corresponding move has not been announced.

Could Bruce Rondon help Tigers' bullpen?

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(6/25/2013)Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said during an interview with NBC Sports Radio reliever Bruce Rondon continues to be under evaluation as the team assesses its bullpen situation. Rondon, who was expected to open the year as the Tigers' closer, has a 1.57 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 14 saves in 29 appearances for Triple-A Toledo.

"We have a guy like Rondon, who was not quite ready at the beginning of the year, but has been dominating in Triple-A," Dombrowski said, per MLive.com. "Where does he fit in for us as we move on to that next month? Is he better than whom we can acquire?"

Bruce Rondon succeeding at the right time

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(6/14/2013)Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon has been fantastic in the minors this year.

Manager Jim Leyland has expressed his frustrations with reporters asking about the closer role, and Rondon could be an option if he's called up again. Rondon has a 0.74 ERA in 24 1/3 innings in the minors this year. Leyland did imply that he didn't want to throw a rookie into the closer role, but that's different from what he was saying in the offseason, when Rondon looked like the club's closer. Rondon struck out the side in the ninth during Thursday's game.

Rondon has struck out 21 batters against seven walks, but Leyland wants to make sure he's ready before getting thrust into a major-league situation again.

"He's doing a good job, but that's the idea," Leyland said. "Don't get excited when they do a good job for three weeks or a month. Let him keep pitching."

Rondon could be up at some point this season, but it would be surprising if the Tigers don't give him at least another month on the farm.

Bruce Rondon not ready for majors, sent down

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(5/1/2013)The Tigers remain committed to reliever Bruce Rondon's future as a part of the team's bullpen, but his continued struggles earned him another demotion Wednesday.

Rondon was optioned to Triple-A Toledo, after allowing two runs on two hits and two walks in 1/3 innings Wednesday.

"Right now he’s just not ready for this," Tigers manager Jim Leyland told the Detroit Free Press. "When I say that, please don’t think anybody's down on him. We think he's a future closer at the major league level. But I can't get him enough work right now."

Rondon made three appearances since being called up, allowing three runs in 2 1/3 innings. The team called up Luke Potkonen to replace Rondon on the roster.

Not closing games should help Bruce Rondon

"Not being thrown into the closer role should help him," Leyland said to The Detroit News. "We still think he has that equipment for the future. He's a very emotional young guy who takes it very hard and very personal (when he doesn't do well), and I want to commend that. But it's also something you have to overcome to become a big-league relief pitcher and eventually, hopefully, a closer."

Not so fast, Bruce Rondon

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(4/23/2013)Earlier today, a few of our experts chimed in with their opinion on the Tigers' bullpen situation, throwing their weight behind young fireballer Bruce Rondon. Rondon got the call from Triple-A Toledo earlier in the day and seemed a likely bet to step into the team's closer's role, but manager Jim Leyland put that speculation to an end before Tuesday's game. Leyland confirmed that Jose Valverde will be the team's closer, starting Wednesday.

Rondon has huge upside, but we have spent far too much time discussing someone who the Tigers' organization seems to have no faith in at the end of games. Rondon's 100-mile-per-hour heat should work well at the end of games sometime in the future, but the Tigers are putting that off as long as they can.

Rondon is probably going to pile up strikeouts (9.8 per nine innings in the minors), but if he isn't consistently getting save opportunities, he will have little value in most Fantasy formats.

You should drop Joaquin Benoit for Bruce Rondon

by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer

(4/23/2013)With Bruce Rondon getting called up, the Tigers' closer situation looks like it can go two different ways right now, and neither ends with Joaquin Benoit getting saves.

Either Rondon -- who saved three games and struck out nine in 7 2/3 scoreless minor league innings with Toledo -- gets a couple chances, converts them, and runs away with the job (thus fulfilling the Dombrowski Prophecy of 2012), or Rondon's control issues pop up and Jose Valverde slides in as the closer, as he is currently inching his way back up to the majors.

Benoit, at best, becomes the backup (maybe Valverde is released if Rondon proves capable, or Rondon is sent down after showing control problems), and at worst becomes the third option. But I doubt the Tigers are grooming Valverde and giving Rondon another shot just to slot them both in middle relief so Benoit can close games. Rondon may not end up being the closer, but he has a much better long-term shot at it than Benoit.

Now is the time to act on Bruce Rondon

by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer

(4/23/2013)Tigers manager Jim Leyland may have told CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Danny Knobler that newly recalled Bruce Rondon isn't coming up to close, but him leaving the door open for Rondon to get a few save opportunities makes it pretty clear what he has in mind.

After some struggles this spring, Rondon was a different pitcher during his seven minor-league appearances, issuing just two walks while recording nine strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings. If he's just as dominant in the majors, then he and his 100-mile-per-hour fastball will quickly move up the pecking order. Of course, if he's just as dominant in the majors, we'll probably know it right away.

If he strikes out two in a scoreless inning against the Royals Tuesday night, you might not be able to beat the rush to the waiver wire. So why not beat it now, particularly if you already missed out on Andrew Bailey and Edward Mujica?

Bruce Rondon getting the call

The Tigers have called up Rondon, and placed Octavio Dotel on the disabled list. Rondon was thought to be the favorite for the closer role at the beginning of spring training, but struggled and was sent to the minors. He'll likely provide help in the pen, and could be a contender for the closer role if he performs well.

Triple-A manager talks up Bruce Rondon

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4/17/2013)Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon is a decent bet to make it back to the majors in 2013 and it could be sooner rather than later, The Detroit News reports.

"He's gonna be good -- trust me," Triple-A Toledo manager Phil Nevin said. "He threw 14 of 16 pitches for strikes at one point the other night. He's starting to recognize things. People just need to realize how old he is (22). He's pitched three months of baseball above Class A. But what I like most about him is that he's got the mentality of a closer that must come with that job. He wants that ball in the ninth."

Rondon has tossed 5 2/3 scoreless innings for Toledo, striking out seven. He's surrendered four hits and two walks, while recording one save.

Bruce Rondon to close at Triple-A

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(3/28/2013)Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon, who was demoted to Triple-A Toledo in a shocking move Thursday, will be the closer for the Mud Hens, reports MLB.com.

"We like him a lot," general manager Dave Dombrowski said. "He has thrown the ball very well at times this spring. But we felt he could benefit from more development time."

Rondon got off to a rough start this spring before settling down after making a tweak to his delivery. Unfortunately, Rondon had more troubles late in the spring, which led to his demotion. He allowed eight runs on 17 hits and nine walks in 12 1/3 innings.

Despite the demotion, Dombrowski left the door open on a quick recall for the 22-year-old reliever. But he quickly added, "I don’t want to put a time frame on it."

Bruce Rondon's demotion means a world of confusion

by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer

(3/28/2013)With would-be Tigers closer Bruce Rondon optioned to Triple-A on Thursday, the Tigers are expected to use a handful of options at closer, including (in alphabetical order) Al Alburquerque, Joaquin Benoit, Phil Coke and Octavio Dotel.

You may want to throw Drew Smyly in the mix as the darkhorse candidate, and might as well add Brayan Villarreal in there, as well. In short, the Detroit bullpen is going to be a guessing game for the immediate future.

If you're really pressing for a replacement, just close your eyes, pick one, and expect no more than two saves a month. In the long term, you may be better off gambling on a player like Frank Francisco or even Jose Valverde (never count out Scott Boras), as the Tigers may just rotate closers until one of them sticks, or Rondon straightens out in Toledo.

Bruce Rondon optioned to Triple-A

by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer

(3/28/2013)CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Danny Knobler reports on Thursday that the Detroit Tigers optioned Bruce Rondon to their Triple-A club in Toledo.

Rondon, 22, had his name thrown around all winter as the team's potential closer by general manager Dave Dombrowski, but he failed to deliver on the promise this spring, with a 5.84 ERA and 2.11 WHIP -- including nine walks -- over 12 1/3 innings.

Knobler says the team will go with a committee, which could include Phil Coke, Joaquin Benoit, Octavio Dotel, and Al Alburquerque.

Bruce Rondon wild against the Phillies

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(3/27/2013)Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon was wild in his Wednesday apperance against the Phillies, allowing two earned runs on two hits and two walks while only recording two outs. He was pitching on back-to-back days for the first time this spring. Rondon also recorded a strikeout to boost his K total to 19 in 12 1/3 innings of work, but he also has a 5.84 ERA and 2.11 WHIP this spring. The Tigers have yet to announce a bullpen arrangement for the regular season.

Bruce Rondon boosts his chances

by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com

(3/26/2013)Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon completed a pristine inning during a 6-5 loss to Atlanta in a Grapefruit League game Tuesday. Rondon followed starter Shawn Hill in the sixth inning and struck out two, his sixth outing this spring with multiple strikeouts. The showing was also just the second time in 12 appearances he has not allowed a baserunner as the right-hander has struggled to firmly grasp the closer role.

Bruce Rondon suffers spring hiccup

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(3/23/2013)Tigers closer candidate Bruce Rondon's spring troubles came back on Saturday against the Yankees, reports the Detroit Free Press.

Rondon entered the game in the eighth inning and gave up a single, a two-run homer and a double all off fastballs. He did manage to limit the damage from there.

Rondon allowed two runs on three hits with a strike out and a walk in an inning. His spring ERA is 5.06.

He's given up three runs over his last two innings after having gone five straight scoreless appearances after a shaky start to his spring.

Bruce Rondon allows three singles

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(3/21/2013)Tigers rookie Bruce Rondon surrendered one earned run on three singles while working the ninth inning against the Astros Thursday. The hits came to consecutive batters after Rondon got Rick Ankiel to fly out to start the ninth, but he settled down to get an inning-ending double play to limit the damage.

Another reliever battling for a look as the team's closer, Joaquin Benoit, pitched a perfect eighth inning, recording one strikeout.

Bruce Rondon throws another hitless inning

by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com

(3/18/2013)Bruce Rondon threw scoreless outing Monday against the Nationals, blemished just by a walk. The fireballer also struck out two batters in arguably his best appearance of the spring.

Rondon has now thrown three consecutive hitless innings and hasn't allowed an earned run since March 3 against Atlanta. Rondon's ERA is now down to 3.12 after peaking at 7.36 early in the spring as the 22-year-old competes for the Tigers' closer job.

Rondon mows down the side

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(3/16/2013)Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon seems to have put his spring struggles behind him as he made another solid appearance on Saturday against the Cardinals. Rondon struck out the side and walked one in his one inning.

Rondon had a tumultuous start to the spring, but he has four straight scoreless innings and has improved his chances of breaking camp on the roster.

Rondon, who has 13 strikeouts in 7 2/3 spring innings, still appears to be a long shot to open the season as the closer.

Bruce Rondon takes 'big step forward'

by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com

(3/15/2013)While his supporters have become a little more scarce as spring training has progressed, Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon continues to draw praise from a key member of the organization: manager Jim Leyland. Rondon has battled inconsistency much of the exhibition season, but fired his first clean inning of the spring Thursday against the Mets.

"I thought [Thursday] was a big step for him," Leyland told MLive.com. "I'm not talking about as far as making the team. I just thought it was a big step forward for him period, whether he makes the team or not. He's made some progress."

Bruce Rondon putting worries behind him

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(3/14/2013)Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon's performance caused much consternation early in the spring, but he appears to be making significant progress in his battle to be the team's closer. Rondon had arguably his finest appearance yet Thursday in Grapefruit League action against the Mets. Rondon needed just 12 pitches to finish out his lone inning of work, striking out one batter while flashing a very effective slider.

"Today, I thought my slider was the best that it has been all spring," Rondon told MLB.com. "I felt very confident with that pitch, and the catcher gave me the pitch I wanted to throw and it made it even better."

Rondon lowered his ERA to 4.05 in seven spring outings, with 10 strikeouts and five walks in 6 2/3 innings. Rondon is the team's No. 2 prospect according to MLB.com and the No. 95 overall prospect in the league, according to Baseball America, coming off a 1.53 ERA over three minor league levels in 2012.

Rondon still in the mix to close

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(3/12/2013)MLB.com reports Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Tuesday it's "possible" reliever Bruce Rondon is part of a closer-by-committee approach at the outset of the season. Thats a very good question, and thats a very good answer," Leyland said. Is he in the mix? Yes. This is a real talent. And what its going to boil down to is: Is this talent ready for this level? And I can tell you that decision has not been made. Leyland has been encouraged by Rondon's recent outings after a shaky start to the spring. He was happy to see Rondon touch 101 mph on the radar gun Monday against the Mets. The question to me is: Do you feel comfortable that this kid is ready to go to the big leagues, whether it be as a closer or a guy that could break in and pick your spots? Thats the question, Leyland said, and I dont think that question is going to be answered until right down to the wire.

Rondon building up confidence

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(3/11/2013)Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon had another successful outing Monday against the Mets following a shaky start to his spring campaign. Rondon, who is trying to lock up the job as the Tigers' closer, allowed two hits and struck out one while pitching a scoreless ninth inning during an 11-0 loss. According to MLive.com, Rondon effectively mixed in his offspeed pitches for the first time this spring. "He threw some more breaking balls," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "That was good to see. He actually threw some good breaking balls. He threw one from behind in the count. That's a good thing." Rondon threw 11 of 17 pitches for strikes. "We want him to use all of his pitches, obviously," pitching coach Jeff Jones said. "It's a good time right now to get a good feel for all of his pitches. Last time out, it was mostly fastballs. Today, he mixed it up and threw a lot better. He had a good outing."

Rondon gets under control

by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com

(3/8/2013)It may have taken longer than the team anticipated, but Tigers pitcher Bruce Rondon finally flashed the strong potential Friday that made him the leading candidate for the vacant closer position. In his first Grapefruit League outing since last Sunday, Rondon attacked the strike zone with a blistering fastball that reached 100 mph and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless inning of relief against the Mets. He permitted only two singles -- both weakly struck -- and most importantly, did not walk a batter after issuing five free passes in his first four games this spring. "I was just ready to pitch, just to make sure that the mechanics were what the issue was," Rondon told reporters. "I was ready to play."

Rondon's return goes well

by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer

(3/8/2013)After having his last spring outing skipped so that he could work out some of the kinks in his delivery, Tigers rookie Bruce Rondon pitched a scoreless inning of relief Friday against the Mets. He allowed two hits, but he also recorded two strikeouts, hitting 100 miles per hour with his fastball. It was the first time he didn't issue a walk this spring. "Home crowd, he probably wanted to get that triple digit on the scoreboard," manager Jim Leyland said. "The people behind me oohed and aahed when he hit 100. He did fine."

Tigers losing faith in Rondon?

by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com

(3/5/2013)With hard-throwing rookie pitcher Bruce Rondon struggling to be effective during the early part of spring training, the Tigers could abandon the plan of having him start the season as their closer. However, Detroit manager Jim Leyland remains committed to providing Rondon an opportunity to claim the job despite not having any major-league experience. "Is he certainly a good candidate? Absolutely. Just because he's had a little bit of a rough time, that doesn't mean he's no longer a candidate, because he is," he told MLive.com on Monday. "He's a very good candidate and he's still a very good candidate." Despite Leyland's support, the Tigers could be altering their stance as the team is pushing hard to find a closer on the trade market, sources told CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Danny Knobler on Tuesday. Leyland has said before the team would not consider any internal candidates.

Rondon facing heat from Tigers

by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com

(3/4/2013)Following his latest troubling performance Sunday, Tigers pitcher Bruce Rondon will be skipped from his next scheduled spring outing, the Detroit Free Press reports. Instead, the rookie, considered the team's prospective closer, will work on his mechanics in a bullpen session. He allowed two runs and a walk in an inning of work during the Tigers' Grapefruit League loss to Atlanta on Sunday. "We saw a couple of things on tape that he is doing differently than last year," pitching coach Jeff Jones said Monday. "We talked with him this morning and showed him the tape." Manager Jim Leyland stressed the team is not giving up on the idea of Rondon closing despite having no major-league experience. "Nobody is writing off Rondon," he said. "It's way, way too early for that."

Rondon not closed from issues

by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com

(2:11 pm ET)Despite another shaky outing from relief pitcher Bruce Rondon on Sunday, the Tigers insisted they do not have a closer issue. "We're not looking to add anyone," general manager Dave Dombrowski told CBSSports.com. Rondon, who has pitched only eight innings above the Double-A level, allowed two runs and two hits, including a home run, during Detroit's Grapefruit League contest against Atlanta. He also issued a walk and has yielded at least one free pass in each of his four spring outings (five total) while sporting an unsightly 7.36 ERA.

Manager: Rondon still not a lock

by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com

(2/26/2013)Tigers pitcher Bruce Rondon walked two batters and struck out two in a scoreless third inning during Detroit's 9-4 loss to Houston in Grapefruit League action Tuesday. Rondon, the team's chief closer candidate, was removed with two outs after having thrown 22 pitches. He was wild in his second spring appearance, but refused to blame the wet mound and steady drizzle as detrimental factors. "Not really. A little bit, but it's not an excuse," he said. "Sometimes the pitches are just not there, but I still felt fine."

Rondon shows strikeout stuff

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(2/23/2013)Projected Tigers closer Bruce Rondon pitched the fifth inning to make his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday against Toronto. Rondon struck out two batters over his inning of work, but also walked a batter and surrendered a base hit. He did not surrender a run, however. "There were a few fastballs that I did not see that ended up in my glove -- I don't know how," catcher Alex Avila told MLive.com. "He's got electric stuff. I'm sure he was a little nervous his first time out. He was a little wild, but he really settled down those last two guys. He's so explosive. It was fun to catch. By far, he's probably one of the best arms I've ever seen."

Question marks follow Rondon

by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com

(2/16/2013)Skepticism, excitement -- and most of all, curiosity. That's what the Tigers are feeling about unproven pitcher Bruce Rondon right now. Although, this much is known: the right-hander could be the team's closer on opening day despite never throwing a major-league pitch. Manager Jim Leyland doesn't want Rondon's progress to become a daily issue at spring training, and he's indicated he'll take his time before deciding how ready the reliever is for the majors. "He's been a strikeout guy in the minor leagues. We're in the big leagues now," he said Saturday. "I'm not running away from it, but I'm not going to get into it every day. We've got a guy on our hands with a huge arm -- how it's going to play out, I can't answer that, but that's what we've got."

Closer role not Rondon's to lose

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(2/15/2013)Tigers manager Jim Leyland told FOXSports.com that the closer spot was not rookie Bruce Rondon's to lose. No, its not like that, Leyland said. Im going to look at all my options, and hopefully Ill make a decision. But I doubt anyone will be anointed the closer out of spring training. It might happen, but I doubt it. Its a front-burner thing that is on the back-burner.

Rondon is top closer candidate

by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer

(1/24/2013)Tigers manager Jim Leyland told MLive.com on Wednesday that while 22-year-old Bruce Rondon has not been officially tabbed as the team's closer, he is the leading candidate for the job. "We're going to give him an opportunity," Leyland said. "We'll take a look at him and see what he looks like." Leyland also added that Rondon will have a somewhat long leash early in the season. "Hopefully, he'll save a couple. If he looks real good, save another one. If he looks fragile, we'll use someone else for a day and break him in."